Luanda, June 10, 2025 (Lusa) - The rehabilitation of the Fortress of São Francisco do Penedo, which will house the future Museum of the National Liberation Struggle, symbolises the “maturity” and “historic reconciliation” between Angola and Portugal, said the Portuguese ambassador in Luanda.
The work, which is being carried out by the company Mota-Engil with financial support from Portugal, represents, according to Francisco Alegre Duarte, a “gesture of maturity in the relationship between equals” in the year that marks the 50th anniversary of Angolan independence.
The Fortress of São Francisco do Penedo, located in Luanda, is one of the oldest military structures in the Angolan capital. It was built in the 18th century by the Portuguese to protect the city and bay of Luanda and played a strategic role throughout history, being used as a military barracks, slave depot and prison.
“I hope it will be ready in time for November 11, but I am not the owner of the project,” explained Francisco Alegre Duarte, noting that the restoration is being carried out by the Angolan Ministry of Public Works, with the participation of the Angolan Ministry of Culture.
The ambassador highlighted the museum component, which has benefited from “important exchanges” between the two countries, considering that this joint project is an example of how Angola and Portugal have been celebrating historical dates in a mutually beneficial way.
“Last year, we had President João Lourenço in Portugal for the official celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the 25 April revolution. This year, we will also have a Portuguese representation here at the highest level,” he noted, emphasising that this collaboration goes beyond the economic and institutional level.
Another symbolic moment recalled by the Portuguese diplomat was last year’s visit to the Santana cemetery in Luanda, where around 500 Portuguese soldiers are buried.
“It was truly a solemn, moving moment,” he recalled, arguing that the initiative illustrates the ability of the two countries to deal with the past in a respectful and constructive manner.
Francisco Alegre Duarte also highlighted that the Portuguese-Angolan communities are communities “of affection”, visible in the reciprocal welcome given to Angolans in Portugal and Portuguese in Angola and in the existence of many Portuguese-Angolans.
“We estimate that there are around 130,000 Portuguese citizens [in Angola], 60% of whom are dual nationals. This clearly shows the level of integration,” he said, noting that the community also shares “joys,” as was evident, for example, in the celebrations of Portugal’s victory in the Nations League on Sunday.
To the younger generation, who have no memory of decolonisation, the diplomat left a message of confidence in the partnerships that have been built.
“Angola could not have a better partner than Portugal to face the challenges of the future, particularly in terms of economic diversification and the creation of quality jobs, with training for human capital and local staff,” he stressed, adding that other Portuguese-speaking partnerships, such as those involving Brazil, are welcome if they contribute to the common good and to a “shared space of prosperity”.
The ambassador also stressed that, despite the challenges inherent to immigration, the Angolan community in Portugal is “very well integrated” and today constitutes a fundamental element in the relationship between the two countries.
“Many of the greatest figures in Angolan culture, music and beyond, are in Portugal. This shows how close the relationship is,” he argued.
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